The World Safety Organisation (WSO) Nigeria and the Safety and Emergency Response Ready Global Institute (SGI) have urged authorities to tighten building safety enforcement after the September 16 inferno that gutted parts of Lagos Island.
The appeal was contained in a joint statement issued on Saturday in Lagos by Dr. Soji Olalokun, Executive Director of WSO Nigeria, and Dr. Wilson Arikpo, Chief Executive of SGI.
They urged the Lagos State and Federal Governments to mandate Safety Compliance Certificates for all high-risk markets and commercial facilities.
According to the groups, the certificates should be backed by independent checks on electrical systems and fire-fighting installations.
They also advised landlords and market associations to establish common generator yards, modernise wiring, equip every floor with fire extinguishers, and provide regular safety training for occupants.
The statement further pressed the National Assembly to amend building and fire safety codes, introducing stiffer penalties, including criminal sanctions, against landlords and officials who overlook violations.
The fire disaster led to the destruction of four major buildings, including Afriland Towers, parts of Central Plaza, and Mandilas, with about 200 shops lost and several lives claimed.
WSO and SGI described the incident as avoidable, citing recurring lapses such as faulty electrical connections, unsafe generator placement, and overcrowding that impeded rescue efforts.
They stressed that Nigeria must prioritise preventive action over condolences, and pledged their readiness to support both government and private stakeholders with expertise to avert future tragedies.